In preparation for the upcoming Afro Buffalo Cup, Satoshi had spent considerable time researching potential opponents, becoming familiar with some notable students at Rainbow Wing Academy.
Take that blond girl with the magnetically floating ahoge, for example—Ijichi Nijika. Famous among second-year students, she'd recently formed a group called "Kessoku Band," clearly gearing up for the High School League.
For some reason, Nijika gave Satoshi a strangely maternal vibe.
She feels like she could become my mother figure.
Then there was Kagura Hikari, a returning student from the Galar region.
With Galar's fervent Pokémon battling culture, Hikari's strength was exceptional. Rumors claimed she even possessed Elite Four-Level potential.
Just how powerful were the Elite Four?
At the very least, I need a full team of six Pokémon. Fully evolved ones—and definitely a [Mega Evolution].
Satoshi's expression grew serious.
He'd heard the League permitted trainers to use [Dynamax], [Terastalization], and even [Z-Moves] during official matches—but notably, [Mega Evolution] wasn't authorized.
Because in this world, [Mega Evolution] was still completely unknown!
[Mega Evolution] had even triumphed in the Kalos League's exhibition match, yet here, it was unheard of.
I miss you, [Mega Evolution].
If Satoshi intended to compete against truly strong opponents, he needed to introduce [Mega Evolution] to this world.
Going all-out against opponents armed with equally powerful gimmicks—that was the thrill!
[Just to let you know, my dear Satoshi, I can't create Mega Stones for you.]
Relax, I never expected anything from you anyway.
[Uwaaah… ╥﹏╥]
Casually dismissing Furiko's playful whining, Satoshi turned his attention back to the ongoing battle between Kagura Hikari and Ijichi Nijika.
It was Ice-type Beartic versus Electric-type Electabuzz.
Statistically, they were evenly matched. Beartic was fully evolved, but its pure Ice typing limited its potential. Electabuzz, though imperfect in stats distribution, still had one more evolutionary stage left.
Currently, they were evenly matched.
But neither can compare to my Raichu!
The thought crossed Satoshi's mind naturally.
"Beartic, [Ice Punch] again," Kagura commanded calmly. Frost quickly gathered around Beartic's right fist as it rushed Electabuzz.
"Electabuzz, block it, then use [Thunderbolt]! Let's show them the results of our special training!" Nijika maintained composure.
"Elee!" Electabuzz raised both arms to block [Ice Punch], struggling as frost crept across its body.
Yet, despite the chilling assault, Electabuzz wasn't completely frozen and immediately countered with its move—[Thunderbolt]!
Golden electricity surged forth, enveloping Beartic's body.
"Roooar…" The intense heat melted the frost, but the current prevented Beartic from escaping.
Seeing this unfold, Hikari's expression remained as cold as Beartic itself, utterly unfazed.
"But my Beartic still has its left hand free. [Brick Break]."
"Roar!" Beartic swung its left arm upwards sharply, landing a [Brick Break] on Electabuzz with lightning speed.
"Ele… Elee!" Electabuzz cried out in pain, reeling backward from the heavy strike.
Even [Thunderbolt's] momentum faltered. Under [Brick Break's] overwhelming force, powered by Beartic's 130 base Attack, Electabuzz was nearly driven to its knees.
Wait—two moves in quick succession—is that even allowed!?
"That actually works?" Satoshi blinked, intrigued and eager to try it himself. Unfortunately, none of his Pokémon knew any moves involving their hands, making the strategy impossible.
Normally, punches like [Ice Punch] and [Thunder Punch] utilized only one hand. To execute simultaneous punches, one required specialized training. However, without special training, using another hand-based move with the free hand was entirely feasible.
As for what exactly counted as a "hand-type" move, it was just what it sounded like.
"Electabuzz, you alright?" Nijika asked worriedly.
"Ele…" Electabuzz nodded weakly.
"If you can still fight, use [Screech]!"
"ELEEEE—!" Electabuzz opened its mouth wide, emitting a piercing sound wave outlined by thin yellow and purple rings that shook the battlefield like thunder.
"Roar…" Beartic trembled, losing its concentration.
"Now, [Wild Charge]!"
Not missing her chance, Nijika pressed the advantage. Electabuzz coated itself in electricity, charging like a glowing electric meteor toward Beartic.
"Beartic, final move—[Giga Impact]!" Kagura coolly waved her hand forward.
Surrounded by purple and white energy, Beartic surged ahead like a shooting star through the night sky, its body brimming with power as it collided with Electabuzz.
"ELEEEE!"
Their clash erupted in blinding light, sending a shockwave rippling through the air.
"Roar!" Ultimately, Beartic's overwhelming force sent Electabuzz flying backward, tumbling helplessly onto the ground, defeated.
"Electabuzz!" Nijika hurried over, kneeling beside her fainted Pokémon. Beartic staggered but managed to stand, exhausted yet largely unhurt.
Even [Screech] plus a STAB [Wild Charge] wasn't enough?
This was the result of training in Galar.
Truthfully, Satoshi had only one thought now:
I want to transfer into Kagura Hikari's class and battle her! Or better yet, battle her right now!
Sadly, it seemed she had no such intentions.
"Well done, Beartic." Kagura quietly recalled her Pokémon to its Poké Ball.
Ignoring the crowd of onlookers, Kagura prepared to leave, calmly collecting the winner's prize.
Apparently, this had been some small-scale competition awarding points and TMs to winners.
[My dear Satoshi~, don't you want to challenge her?]
"Nah. We'll have plenty of opportunities. I'm sure she'll participate in the High School League."
Satoshi's eyes met Kagura's, lips curving into a subtle smile.
They could battle on a grander stage; there was no rush.
A full 6v6 battle—that was what he truly wanted.
Ideally, he'd prefer battling with [Dynamax]. After all, Satoshi was eager to pit [Mega Evolution] against [Dynamax] one day.
But once he visited Galar, he might temporarily abandon [Mega Evolution] in favor of [Dynamax].
After all, Pokémon like Incineroar became exceptionally cool with sheer power.
Incineroar…my dear Incineroar, king of beasts—no explanation needed.
Increasingly, Satoshi wanted to catch the number-one Pokémon in the universe. Though not dominant in singles, Incineroar had a solid top-30 usage rate in the Scarlet/Violet meta.
Lost in his thoughts, Satoshi failed to notice Kagura's gaze lingering on him for a long moment before she finally turned away.
So that's Asama Satoshi…
Silently, Kagura departed without another glance back.
He'll probably join the Afro Buffalo Cup…I'll look for him next time…